Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!

Episode Title: Our $18,000 Enthusiast Car Challenge is HERE! Plus Breaking Auto News and MORE!

Release Date: November 15, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In this exhilarating episode of THIS CAR POD!, host Doug DeMuro teams up with friends Ken and Filippo to delve into a multitude of automotive topics. The episode kicks off with exciting news about their latest ventures and transitions smoothly into breaking auto news, market insights, and a lively Q&A session.

New Video Series & Merch Giveaway

[01:08] Doug DeMuro: Doug announces the launch of a new video series where he, Ken, Filippo, and their friend Nick have each purchased cars. The series promises fun activities and challenges, with the first video already live. Additionally, they reveal a merchandise giveaway tied to the Cars and Bids office, offering listeners a chance to win one of their enthusiast cars, including a coveted Corvette.

• Doug: “The winner will pick the Corvette, the car they want.” ([02:00])
• Ken: “No one will pick the Corvette.” ([02:00])

Participants can engage by purchasing their merch at merch.carsandbids.com, with detailed contest rules available online.

Breaking Auto News

1. Lucid Air in Police Departments

The team discusses Lucid Air's entry into police vehicle testing for California departments. Despite its high price tag, the Lucid Air's impressive range and spacious interior make it a contender, though leasing options for police use remain uncertain.

• Filippo: “Lucid's looking for sales. Lucid's also. That looks good.” ([02:38])
• Doug: “The Lucid Air demand has not been huge. It’s real expensive for what they are.” ([04:47])

2. Viper Sign Infestation at Dealership

A quirky story unfolds about a Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership in Kentucky that displays a Viper on their sign. Recently, the Viper was found infested with rats, prompting the dealership to remove and refurbish it temporarily.

• Filippo: “Are they putting it back up?” ([06:59])
• Doug: “It's the ugliest wheel ever manufactured in the entire history of wheels.” ([60:03])

3. Cadillac's Vistique Electric SUV

Cadillac introduces the Vistique, marking a return to traditional naming conventions for their vehicles. The Vistique resembles the size of the Cadillac XT6 but comes fully electric, showcasing Cadillac's commitment to expanding their EV lineup.

• Doug: “It looks like it could go off-road and this will do enough of it.” ([09:47])
• Filippo: “It looks like one of Cadillac's best designs.” ([10:04])

4. Honda's New Passport

The Honda Passport receives attention as a more capable version compared to the Pilot. While it boasts improved aesthetics and some off-road features, doubts remain about its true off-road capabilities due to its unibody construction.

• Doug: “I just can't imagine an S54 is even that fast by modern standards.” ([41:11])
• Filippo: “It looks good and the light treatment is excellent.” ([12:00])

5. Porsche Taycan Range Expansion

Porsche expands their Taycan lineup by adding two new models: the Taycan 4 and the GTS. Despite the impressive specs, sales have been sluggish, leading to concerns about the vehicle's demand and Porsche's commitment to the EV market.

• Ken: “There are 11 models now. That's a lot.” ([16:50])
• Filippo: “They're the most car-enthusiast EVs for sale.” ([17:50])

6. Mercedes AMG GT43 Introduction

Mercedes unveils the AMG GT43, a two-door rear-wheel-drive coupe boasting 416 horsepower from a 2-liter inline engine, priced at $107,000. The discussion highlights the car's depreciating value and the challenges Mercedes faces in the luxury coupe segment.

• Filippo: “It's got 416 horsepower from a 2-liter inline.” ([19:09])
• Doug: “It's pricey for what it is.” ([22:24])

Personal Stories and Rants

1. YouTube Criticism on Car Driving

Doug vents about the constant criticism he faces on YouTube for not driving his cars aggressively enough. He compares his approach to that of Marques Brownlee, emphasizing the difficulty content creators face in satisfying their audience while maintaining responsible driving.

• Doug: “The number one criticism I get is that I do not drive the cars hard enough.” ([23:03])
• Filippo: “Channels that have drag races on closed tracks get around that in a smart way.” ([24:45])

2. Doug's Porsche Carrera GT Recall

Doug shares his experience with a recall on his Porsche Carrera GT due to a suspension component issue. The recall process involves replacing significant parts, leading to unexpected expenses and an audiacious story about negotiating service costs using Porsche's credits.

• Doug: “It's a suspension recall where some suspension component will corrode and then the car will crash and you will die.” ([27:25])
• Doug: “The dealer told me I am the first Carrera GT owner in the history of the dealership to request a loaner car.” ([28:09])

3. Z3M Coupes as Good Deals

The group discusses the Z3M coupes, highlighting their value, cool factor, and affordability, especially the S52 engine variants. They emphasize that these cars are distinctive and offer great driving experiences without hefty price tags.

• Ken: “The S52 ones are still really good buy.” ([39:11])
• Filippo: “If you don’t focus on the S54, they are just so cool.” ([40:12])

Market Report

Ken's E39 M5 Anniversary

Ken celebrates nine years of owning his E39 M5, boasting over 86,000 miles. He shares memories of flying to acquire the car, driving experiences with friends, and ongoing modifications that keep his passion for the vehicle alive.

• Ken: “I'm still just as excited now as I was when I bought the car.” ([34:55])
• Doug: “Nine years later, I'm just even more excited to drive the car now.” ([36:16])

Z3M Coupe Insights

Doug and Ken delve into the Z3M coupes, discussing their market value, distinguishing features between S52 and S54 engines, and the cars' unique aesthetics. They provide tips on identifying genuine models and celebrate the coupés' quirky charm.

• Ken: “You can tell from the wheel finish and badge differences.” ([43:09])
• Doug: “They are such cool cars and they are so distinctive.” ([40:29])

Evolution of Factory Wheels

The hosts engage in a spirited debate about the best and worst factory-fitted car wheels, sharing personal opinions and highlighting iconic designs as well as design missteps.

• Doug: “These are the ugliest wheels ever manufactured in the entire history of wheels.” ([58:00])
• Ken: “The E39 M5 has some of the all-time great wheels.” ([59:58])

Q&A Session

Listeners submitted diverse questions, prompting animated discussions and expert opinions from the hosts.

1. Clear Tail Lights

Question: Thoughts on clear tail lights in vehicles like the 2014 Porsche GT3 and Toyota Sienna.

• Doug: “The answer is they're fine on some cars.” ([46:39])
• Filippo: “They work better on larger cars.” ([46:45])

2. Making Porsche Purists Angry

Question: Fastest or funniest ways to irritate Porsche purists.

• Doug: “Not into the pedantry of Porsche people.” ([48:37])
• Ken: “Calling a PDK car a tip.” ([50:27])

3. Replacing Car Collection with Budget Economy Cars

Question: If Doug had to replace his car collection with budget economy cars, which would he choose?

• Filippo: Suggests a Highlander Hybrid.
• Doug: “I'd buy whichever is closest to my house.” ([51:56])

4. Favorite and Least Favorite Factory Wheels

Question: All-time favorite and least favorite factory wheels.

• Doug: “The F512M wheels are too dark and ugly.” ([57:37])
• Ken: Praises the E39 M5 wheels but dislikes certain BMW factory wheels. ([59:58])

5. Expansion of Cars and Bids into the UK and Ireland

Question: Any plans to expand Cars and Bids into countries like the UK and Ireland.

• Doug: “Not at this time. We are in Canada.” ([64:24])

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts acknowledging the dynamic automotive landscape, sharing camaraderie, and inviting listeners to engage with ongoing and upcoming projects. They emphasize the importance of community interaction through the Cars and Bids app and encourage audience participation for future discussions.

• Filippo: “You can bid, comment, and participate in our community.” ([38:53])
• Doug: “Thank you for watching our podcast. It was our second best one ever after last week's.” ([65:53])

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro: “The winner will pick the Corvette, the car they want.” ([02:00])
• Filippo: “Lucid's looking for sales. Lucid's also. That looks good.” ([02:38])
• Ken: “No one will pick the Corvette.” ([02:00])
• Doug DeMuro: “The number one criticism I get is that I do not drive the cars hard enough.” ([23:03])
• Doug DeMuro: “It's a suspension recall where some suspension component will corrode and then the car will crash and you will die.” ([27:25])
• Ken: “The S52 ones are still really good buy.” ([39:11])
• Doug DeMuro: “These are the ugliest wheels ever manufactured in the entire history of wheels.” ([58:00])
• Doug DeMuro: “Not at this time. We are in Canada.” ([64:24])

This summary encapsulates the vibrant discussions and insights shared by Doug DeMuro and his friends, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the episode's key points and engaging narratives.